Diane Gilley Dietiker died on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Providence Hospital surrounded by her family and friends. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00pm, Sunday, September 29, at Bellmead Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11:00am, Monday, September 30, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bellmead, with Pastor Larry Krueger officiating. A private burial ceremony will be at Axtell Cemetery.
Mrs. Dietiker was born January 11, 1942 at Providence Hospital in Waco, Texas, the daughter of Elner (Lyon) and Woodrow Gilley. With her father, she enjoyed as a young girl the love of horses by riding in horse shows and barrel racing.On January 26, 1963, she was united in marriage for 54 years to Darwin Wayne Dietiker. They were blessed with two children: Darin Dwayne Dietiker and Danae Dietiker Pieri. Diane enjoyed her two precious granddaughters, Emelia and Ellison Pieri who loved baking cakes with their Grandmommy. Her family brought her much joy and happiness.
Diane was baptized in the Axtell Baptist Church and was a member until 1964 when she joined St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bellmead, Texas where her husband was a member. She taught Sunday School for several years and attended worship until her death. She loved her Lord and thanked him daily for the many blessings he had given her.
She attended Axtell Elementary and North Waco Elementary schools, North Waco Junior High School and graduated from Axtell High School in 1960. She was a graduate of Baylor University with a degree in Education and English. She completed post graduate at Baylor University and Sam Houston State University where she received her Librarian certification at Baylor.
Mrs. Dietiker began her teaching career at Robinson High School in January 1965. The following year she began teaching English at La Vega High School where she enjoyed a 54 year career in education. She taught English for ten years at La Vega and has been the High School Librarian since 1976. She believed that students could excel and enjoyed working with them so that they could achieve their best.
She was a member of American Association of University Women and Alpha Delta Kappa in the 1970's. She served on the Axtell School Board for 22 years, was a member of Texas Association of School Boards, Texas State Teachers Association, Texas Library Association, and Texas Association of Retired Teachers.
Diane was preceded in death by her husband Darwin, parents Elner and Woodrow Gilley, her in-laws Thelma and Walter Dietiker and numerous aunts and uncles whom she dearly loved.
She is survived by her son and his husband; Darin Dietiker and Brett Auttonberry; her daughter and husband; Danae and Jim Pieri; her granddaughters, Emelia and Ellison Pieri; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Norma and Weldon Hand; nephew, Brian Hand; nieces, Terri Lindsay, Julie Hahn, Tammie Albers, Heather Tindle and their spouses; great-nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
Pallbearers are Ricky Lindsay Sr., Ricky Lindsay Jr., Jay Helleck, Keith Lindsay, Lucas Helleck and Freddy Losak.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1301 Hogan Lane, Waco, Texas 76705.
Please sign the registry online at www.bellmeadfuneralhome.com.
Condolences(28)
Ava Grogan
Waco, TX Friday, October 25, 2019 Dear Family, I am devastated to learn of the passing of Diane. She was an icon at La Vega. I had the pleasure of working with her for 24 years. We served on many committees together and she was a true professional in every since of the word. She truly loved the educational environment and she adored the students and they adored her right back. She was truly inspirational! She loved learning and was a great role model by always keeping up with the latest technology. She will be deeply missed by those who had the honor of knowing her. My deepest condolences go out to you. Ava GroganLinda Crews
Waco, TX Thursday, October 3, 2019 My heart is with your family in love and caring.Cindy Fanning-Amburgey
Montgomery, TX Wednesday, October 2, 2019 I am so sorry to hear about your Mom, Darin and Danea. Sending prayers of comfort to you and the family.Vanoy Smith
Burlington, WA Tuesday, October 1, 2019 I was a fellow student of Diane. We were in the junior and senior plays together and had a lot of fun putting on the show. Diane was so sweet, kind and beautiful, one of the most influential persons in my life. There was no romantic involvement; I just saw her as a quality person who unconsciously led by quiet example. To her family-- God bless her memory as she has blessed mine. Vanoy Smith MDStanley Harris
Axtell, TX Monday, September 30, 2019 I regret not being able to attend the visitation or funeral service for Mrs. Dietiker. Words will not be sufficient to express the admiration and respect I have for her and all her family members. Diane became an Axtell School Trustee the same year I became the superintendent and she and I retired from those duties about the time. Through those 20+ years she was an encourager to me as well as a thoughtful servant to our school district and most of all a friend to me and many others.james
waco, TX Monday, September 30, 2019 Mrs. Dietiker was one of my most inspiring teachersVirginia Pool
Fort Collins, CO Sunday, September 29, 2019 Mrs. Dietiker was my high school English teacher for several years at La Vega. I remember diagramming sentences, David Copperfield and Shakespeare. I found a lifelong fascination with his plays in her English class. There was a student teacher, with long black hair, who read the witches' scene from MacBeth. Mrs. Dietiker kindly took us to a performance of Hamlet on the Baylor campus. She also "ignored" my sneak reading of novels in her class. After not seeing Mrs. Dietiker since 1973, she wrote me an extremely sweet reply (around 2010) to my note. It was clear she remembered everything positive about me. She was a great example of a life well lived. Mary Virginia Pool, LV 1973Neal Libak
waco, TX Sunday, September 29, 2019 She was my favorite at LA Vega.Priscilla Lovelace Johnston
Sun City, AZ Sunday, September 29, 2019 Diane was one of my role models growing up in Axtell; she was two years older than I. After moving away I was so appreciative of the great kindnesses she showed my mother, Berniece Lovelace. Peace and comfort to her loved ones. Priscilla Lovelace JohnstonMary Broadway
, AL Sunday, September 29, 2019 Diane was such a fine lady. She always had a smile on her face to share with others. We enjoyed watching our girls dance. May your fond memories give you peace and comfort. Sincerely, Mary BroadwayFrank Laywell
TERRELL, TX Sunday, September 29, 2019 1967 La Vega.Debbie Ray
Waco, TX Sunday, September 29, 2019 Diana touched so many lives as a teacher and a friend. I feel so blessed to have been a part of her life. I was with the class of 73. I know Jesus welcomed her to Heaven with open arms. I hope someday to see you again. Sending deepest sympathy and prayers for the familyTammy Thun
Fort Worth, TX Sunday, September 29, 2019 Darin,I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a special lady and made a difference in so many lives.
I talked to your Dad several years ago, he was just as sweet as ever. They are together watching over you now.
Love and prayers,
Tammy Thun
Norma OlsonTobias
Waco, TX Saturday, September 28, 2019 While Diane's passing is so sad for all, I hope the family feels blessed by all of her accomplishments, the commitment to her community and two school districts. She was indeed remarkable and loved. It's not often that the teacher in the classroom remains friends with their students. Then think about her instructing the children and grandchildren of those early students. Proud LV grads, Norma Olson Tobias and Ricky Tobias from '71 and Troy Sandifer '98Jae Williams
, TX Saturday, September 28, 2019 My condolences to the family. May you be comforted by the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials.George Kilgo
, TX Saturday, September 28, 2019 It's hard to put in words the respect that I have for this fellow staff member but most of all the friendship we shared.God has gained one Special Angel.
Ann Gibbs
Waco, TX Saturday, September 28, 2019 Prayers for the family.Cindy Loveless Harriman
Bedford, TX Saturday, September 28, 2019 Mrs. Dietiker was a great teacher. College was easier than I expected because she had prepared us so well. But, she was more than a teacher. She was a respected teacher and superior while in the classroom, but a friend outside the classroom. Like many others, I was fortunate to have remained in touch with her for the last 45 years. When I was in college, she fixed me up on my only blind date. She told me, "he was going to be something big one day." Although it was only the one date--she was right. His name was Louie Gohmert, and he became a U.S. Congressman. Good teachers are remembered. Great teachers are loved. The outpouring of love from Mrs. D's former students will prove she was indeed among of the greatest. (LV class of '74)Carol Smart Bade
San Antonio, TX Saturday, September 28, 2019 Prayers to the family of Mrs. Dietiker....She was a remarkable woman and teacher. I know she'll be missed.Sandra Thetford Willingham
Greenville, TX Saturday, September 28, 2019 So sorry to learn of Diane's passing. A lovely, sweet person. Fond memories of our years together at Axtell High School. Blessings and comfort to her loved ones. Jack and Sandra WillinghamPreston and Linda Dennis
Axtell, TX Saturday, September 28, 2019 We send our condolences and have the family in our thoughts and prayers.Frances McClain Swift
Prescott, AR Saturday, September 28, 2019 Diane, Darin and Danai, I love you. I will never forget the good times our families had together!!Jamie counterman
, AL Saturday, September 28, 2019 So sorry for your loss. Rest in Heaven. Alway kind and helpful. So glad I had the chance to meet her when I was in school.T. Bradford Willis, DDS
Waco, TX Saturday, September 28, 2019 With deepest sympathy,T. Bradford Willis
Ruth Helpert-Nunez
Hearne (Edge), TX Friday, September 27, 2019 I am very sad to hear of Mrs. D's passing. She obviously loved teaching and loved her students, and surprised me with her memory of members of the LaVega class of '74. She was supportive of me and kind to me during a difficult situation my junior year, and that meant a lot to me. She was a good woman, an inspiring teacher, a role model to many!💐❤️💐Frances NcClain Swift
Prescott, AR Friday, September 27, 2019Sarah Gibbs Newell
Rosebutg, OR Friday, September 27, 2019 You were dearly loved by all who knew you and you will be sadly missed by all. Rest in pease dear lady.Jimmy & Cynthia Sykora
Robinson, TX Friday, September 27, 2019 Mrs. Dietiker taught both of us in the early 70's at LVHS. She was loved and adored by all her students, staff and co-workers. I was honored to have worked with her at La Vega ISD for nearly 30 years after graduating in 1974.We will miss you sweet Diane and will love you always.
Jimmy(1971) & Cyndi (1974)